Translation guide
The English verb 'tremble' describes a shaking movement, often from fear, cold, or weakness. In Japanese, the best word depends on what causes the trembling and whether it's physical or emotional.
To shake involuntarily because of fear, anxiety, or intense emotion.
The most common and general word for trembling, especially from fear, cold, or emotion. Can be used for both body parts and the whole body.
怖くて手が震えた。
My hands trembled with fear.
彼女の声は怒りで震えていた。
Her voice trembled with anger.
A more literary or intense word for trembling, often from extreme fear or awe. Implies a shuddering or quivering.
その光景に全身が戦慄いた。
My whole body trembled at the sight.
Literally 'body shake', used for a sudden shiver or shudder, often from fear, disgust, or a premonition.
その話を聞いて身震いした。
I trembled when I heard that story.
To shake because of low temperature.
To shake due to frailty, illness, or old age.
General trembling from weakness.
病気で手が震える。
My hands tremble because of illness.
Onomatopoeic verb for shaking or rattling, often used for knees knocking together from fear or weakness.
膝ががたがた震えた。
My knees trembled.
When someone's voice shakes due to emotion.
Used for a trembling voice.
彼の声は震えていた。
His voice trembled.
Common phrase for a trembling voice.
緊張で声が震えた。
My voice trembled with nervousness.
When the earth or a structure shakes.
General word for shaking or swaying, used for earthquakes and objects.
地震で地面が揺れた。
The ground trembled in the earthquake.
Technical term for vibration or tremor, often used in scientific contexts.
微かな震動を感じた。
I felt a faint trembling.
震える (furueru) is used for small, rapid, involuntary shaking, typically of living things or body parts. 揺れる (yureru) is for larger, slower swaying or shaking of objects, like trees, buildings, or the ground.
震える implies involuntary trembling. For intentional shaking (e.g., shaking a bottle), use 振る (furu).
凍えるような寒さだ。
It's a bone-chilling cold.